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Where do you start when you want to level up the production at a new church? And how do you keep pushing forward when life throws you a devastating diagnosis?In this episode, we are joined by Josh Suender of Faith Community Church (Clayton, NC). We start with some practical, high-value tech talk, breaking down the exact first steps you should take to level up your church production. Josh shares his favorite creative AVL gear moves to streamline your workflow, how to keep MultiTracks from getting "weird" and chaotic on stage, and the massive benefits of implementing Bitfocus Companion in your tech booth.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: Toby's Adventures in Worship Leading5:30 Josh Suender (Faith Community Church) Joins7:45 Josh's Start in Church Production11:20 Assessing the Production Baseline at a New Job14:00 The First Steps to Level Up Your Church Production16:20 Creative AVL Moves to Streamline Your Tech28:45 Keeping MultiTracks from Getting "Weird" on Stage30:15 Implementing Bitfocus Companion in Your Setup36:00 Josh's Battle for His Life: A Stage 4 Diagnosis48:15 Keep Sundays RunningGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Hang out with us at The Mix in Vegas here! Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
As we reflect on the previous year and what God has been doing in our church, we hear stories of those from our Daycare, Worship Team, Young Adults Volunteers, Home Church members, and even the Saskatoon Public School Division on how Lakeview church has been helping our community. We also hear the story of one getting baptized on this day, showing how God is also working one us personally as well as collectively.Baptism Music:Song: EmbraceComposer: SappheirosWebsite: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHX...License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.comMinistry Stories Background Music:Song: White PetalsComposer: Keys Of MoonWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/c/keysofmoonmusicLicense: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-freeMusic powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.comSong: FragmentsComposer: AERØHEADWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoZbM1a4PKQ6haa2Ap4TSdgLicense: Creative Commons (BY-NC 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.comSong: Far AwayComposer: Sarah JansenWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL2-pKUzVD8x5lYDpPhFVqgLicense: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-freeMusic powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.comSong: SlowlyComposer: Tokyo Music WalkerWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3lLfvhpPGtwd5qD25cMDcALicense: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com
We dive into the heart of volunteer leadership, discussing why people always matter more than the production, and establishing the true "minimum standard of care" every Technical Director owes their team. Willow also shares incredible insights on the specific benefits of having more women in church production and actionable strategies for how to recruit them.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: Toby Hates Talking to People5:00 Willow Hodge (Hope Fellowship Church) Joins8:45 Willow's Start in Church Production11:15 The Golden Rule of Tech: Why People Matter Most20:00 Timecode Debate: How Much Should Your Service Depend On It?22:15 The Minimum Standard of Care for Tech Volunteers33:40 The Power and Benefits of Women in Church Production39:00 How to Actively Recruit More Women to Your Tech Team41:15 Church Tech Volunteer Disaster Story44:15 Keep Sundays Running: Ask Questions and ListenGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
James breaks down the actual logistics of how remote mixing works, the philosophical question of whether online audiences are actually engaging in worship or just watching a sermon, and if your church should make the transition to a remote setup. We also discuss practical leadership strategies for communicating with a frustrating pastor, recap our FILO 2026 hijinks, and comment on the details of the infamous "Clayton Gregory Incident."In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Intro: FILO 2026 Conference Hijinks6:45 James Hurley Joins the Podcast8:00 From NASA to Church Tech: Production at the Highest Level11:00 The Big Debate: Should Every Church Remote Mix?19:45 Online Engagement: Are People Actually Worshipping at Home?25:45 The Logistics: How Remote Mixing Actually Works27:15 Should Your Church Transition to Remote Mixing?38:30 Storytime: The Clayton Gregory Incident47:30 How to Communicate with Your Pastor When You're Frustrated50:15 Church Production Disaster Story55:15 Keep Sundays Running: The Power of FellowshipGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
What does it take to mix Front of House for a massive arena rap tour? And how can church technical directors apply those touring strategies to a Sunday morning service?In this episode, we are joined by Travis Stoker, the Front of House (FOH) Engineer for chart-topping rapper NF. Travis pulls back the curtain on NF's live audio setup, sharing exactly how he approaches mixing live rap and hip-hop, the specific gear he's taking on tour, and his secrets for managing massive subwoofer setups to get that perfect low-end punch.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Intro: Fun Concert Experiences4:50 Travis Stoker (NF's FOH Engineer) Joins6:15 Travis's Journey to Mixing for NF12:00 How to Mix Audio for Rap and Hip-Hop15:00 Gear Talk: What is Travis Using on Tour?20:30 Using Backing Tracks: Concerts vs. Church33:15 The Debate: Should Your Church Use Timecode?36:00 Do FOH Engineers Need System Design Knowledge?42:45 Subwoofer Setups for Mixing Heavy Low-End50:00 Live Production Disaster Story59:30 Keep Sundays Running: The Power of TeamsGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
When thousands of Free Will Baptists descend on Columbus in July, evening services offer a special opportunity to worship together with like-minded believers. Kevin Justice, Sam Harris, and Joshua Riggs from the convention worship planning team preview the music for the week and offer opportunities for you to be involved in the choir, orchestra, or praise team. Find the information at https://www.fwbworship.com under the “NAFWB” tab. #NAFWB #BetterTogether #Focus #V3Con2026 #Music #Worship
How long can you keep your church's production running on "Band-Aid" fixes before you finally need a complete AVL upgrade? And how do you pitch that massive expense to your leadership team?In this episode, we are joined by Neil Brown of Henderson Hills Church to talk about smart budgeting, integration, and safety. Neil breaks down how to have the difficult conversation with leadership about moving from cheap, temporary fixes to a strategic, full-scale AVL upgrade. He also explains why it's okay to hit pause mid-integration if a project is heading in the wrong direction.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Intro: Does Toby Want to Burn ChurchGear Down?6:45 Neil Brown (Henderson Hills Church) Joins13:00 When to Pause and Reevaluate Mid-Integration24:30 Moving from "Band-Aid" Fixes to Full AVL Upgrades31:30 Cool Production Life Hacks on a Tight Budget38:15 What Churches Are Spending Too Much Money On42:00 Safety Warning: Double-Check Your Rigging!46:00 Keep Sundays Running: Avoid Last-Minute ChangesGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
How do you convince your senior pastor to approve the new AVL gear your church desperately needs? And if budgets get slashed, do you sacrifice your gear upgrades or your room's acoustic treatment?In this episode, we are joined by the team from City Church to tackle the hardest parts of church production leadership. We break down the strategy of using your church's specific vision to pick the right gear, rather than just the most expensive gear. We also dive into the technical weeds with a guide to Objective-Based Mixing and how to properly assess your room acoustics. In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 The Dangers of Changing Things on Your Congregation5:00 Storytime: Being Assaulted in the Tech Booth!11:00 Networking: How to Meet Local Church Techs17:00 Gear Talk: What is City Church Using?18:00 How to Convince Your Pastor to Approve New Gear20:00 A Guide to Objective-Based Mixing27:00 Using Church Vision to Pick the Right Gear29:40 The True Importance of Room Acoustics31:30 Budget Cuts: Do You Sacrifice Gear or Acoustics?39:30 Keeping Church Tech Volunteers Excited to Serve43:30 Tech Takeaway: Set Your Volunteers Up for SuccessGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Is the hype around immersive audio actually worth the massive investment for your church? And how do you keep your production and worship teams united when your church is experiencing explosive, multi-site growth?In this episode, we are joined by Eric Allen, Audio Engineer at Community Bible Church (CBC) in San Antonio. We start by unpacking what it takes to manage production across a rapidly growing, multi-site congregation, including exactly how CBC bridges the gap between the worship band and the tech booth.In this episode you'll hear0:00 Intro: Toby & Blake Are Bad at First Dates5:30 Eric Allen (Community Bible Church) Joins8:45 Managing Explosive Church Growth12:30 Integrating Production and Worship Teams14:16 Uniting a Multi-Site Worship Experience22:00 Defining Immersive Audio in a Church Setting24:00 Things to Consider Before Upgrading to Immersive28:30 The Real Benefits of Immersive-Based Mixing39:30 Weighing the Decision: Is Immersive Worth the Cost?42:48 Tech Disaster Story 1: The Brownout47:25 Tech Disaster Story 2: The Blackout51:45 Keep Sundays Running: The Work You Do Monday to FridayGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
In this episode, we are joined by Estian Els to get a global perspective on church tech. We dive into the realities of running a massive 7,000-person church in Africa, breaking down exactly what gear they use and the unique struggles of navigating international supply chains to get it.Estian also shares a brilliant leadership hack: why you need to bring your senior pastor to the FILO Conference. Finally, we zoom out to discuss the broader state of the global church, exploring exactly what the American church needs to learn from the African church when it comes to worship, community, and production.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: Are You Scared to Travel Internationally?5:15 Estian Els Joins the Podcast9:04 Estian's Start in Church Production17:30 Gear Talk: Production for a 7,000-Person Church in Africa19:50 The Supply Chain Struggle: Getting AVL Gear in Africa24:45 Life Hack: Take Your Pastor to the FILO Conference34:30 The Current State of the Church in Africa37:30 What the American Church Can Learn from the African Church44:00 Church Tech Disaster Story47:00 Keep Sundays RunningGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Matt McCoy sits down with Canaan Baca, Enterprise Worship Pastor at New Life Church, to talk about discipling worship teams beyond just musicianship. They dive into why midweek rehearsals still matter, how shared meals shape team culture, and the tension between paid musicians and spiritual ownership. Canaan shares practical rhythms his church uses to develop... View Article The post Ep. 193 – Canaan Baca – How to Build a Worship Team That Actually Feels Like Family first appeared on WorshipFuel.
▶️ FREE Lesson - The Engagement Formula - https://sendfox.com/lp/367dje Is your church barely singing during worship? You're not alone! In this video, I reveal the two biggest reasons why your congregation isn't engaging—and exactly how you can fix it. Drawing from years of experience leading worship in churches of all sizes, I'll show you practical strategies to invite your church into genuine participation. Discover how a warm welcome, vocal cues, micro exhortations, and strategic down choruses can transform your worship environment. Plus, learn why your church's tech setup and room atmosphere might be holding people back from singing out. If you're ready to see your church come alive in worship, this episode is for you! Know a worship leader who needs help with church engagement? Share this video with them! Vocal Cues Training - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzX5iG8Dvzk =============================
In this heavy but incredibly important episode, we are joined by Will Martin of Gateway Church. Will shares the raw reality of navigating one of the most publicized church crises in recent history. We discuss the immediate emotional toll on the production team, how to lead volunteers through the shock, and the harsh realities of staff turnover and attendance drops following a major scandal.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Intro: False Miracles6:14 Will Martin (Gateway Church) Joins10:45 The Fallout: Navigating a Pastor's Moral Failure18:00 Leading a Tech Team Through a Church Crisis27:30 The Reality of Staff Turnover After a Scandal32:30 How Moral Failures Impact Church Attendance35:00 Should Lead Pastors Be Held to a Higher Standard?47:30 Supporting Church Leadership During a Crisis52:30 Gateway Church's Transition to a New Pastor57:00 Keep Sundays Running: Knowing Your "Why"Get expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
How do you communicate your actual value to your church leadership without overwhelming them with tech jargon?In this episode, we are joined by FILO Founder Todd Elliott. Todd shares the origin story of how FILO was created to support the often-overlooked production community.We dive into a deep conversation about the title of "Technical Artist," why using intentional tech jargon to sound smart usually backfires with your senior pastor, and the best ways to bridge the communication gap between the tech booth and the executive team. In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: Chicago Keeps Trying to Kill Us5:20 Todd Elliott (Founder of FILO) Joins11:00 Game: Church Camp or Frat House?17:15 The Origin Story of the FILO Conference27:30 The Debate: Are Church Techs "Technical Artists"?34:00 How to Communicate Your Value to Church Leadership38:00 The Danger of Using Tech Jargon with Pastors49:30 Keep Sundays Running: Forecasting Gear FailureGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
If your auditions feel awkward, intimidating, or ineffective… you're probably doing them wrong.Here's how to build auditions that actually grow your team.Check out our FREE Team Night Guide: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=auditionFREE RESOURCES
When money is tight, is it ever a good idea to buy a cheap, imported LED wall?In this episode, we sit down with Eduardo Rivera from People's Church to tackle the harsh realities of church tech budgets. We discuss how to start upgrading your gear when your budget is basically zero, and how to coach volunteer teams who yearn for new gear. Topics Covered:Prioritizing budgets: Live Stream vs. In-Person WorshipThe hidden costs of cheap LED wallsDefining production excellence without comparing your church to othersGear and setups currently used at People's ChurchLeading and coaching tech volunteers who suffer from "Gear Acquisition Syndrome"In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Stop Paying to Store Used AVL Gear5:55 Eduardo Rivera from People's Church Joins8:15 Eduardo's Start in Church Tech13:30 Defining Production Excellence at People's Church15:45 The "Church Down the Street" Comparison Trap19:45 Gear Talk: What is People's Church Using?23:00 Budget Strategy: Live Stream vs. The Auditorium25:00 Should You Buy a Cheap LED Wall?34:15 Where to Start When Your AVL Budget is Zero36:45 Coaching Techs Who Always Want New Gear39:49 Church Tech Disaster Story44:44 Tech Takeaway: Always Carry a FlashlightGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Apply to work at ChurchGear here!Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Most worship leaders focus on building better teams by improving skill, tightening transitions, and raising the level of excellence. But what if the real issue isn't what you see? In this episode, we uncover the hidden problem that quietly weakens worship teams—even the talented ones—and why it has nothing to do with ability. If your team feels healthy on the surface… but something still isn't clicking, this conversation will open your eyes. You'll learn: The hidden issue that turns teams into "just a band" Why most leaders build their teams in the wrong order Keith's "Worship Pyramid" Framework and how it changes everything 10 practical ways to build a stronger, more unified team If you want a worship team that lasts—not just sounds good—this is for you. Mentioned in the Episode Andy Stanley Book Keith's Framework Loop Community Blog If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.
Is the church doing enough to invest in the next generation of technical artists? And how do you balance the pressure for a "perfect" Sunday mix with the need to let young volunteers make mistakes and learn?In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 HouseRight Event Recap & Listener Shoutouts6:15 Gene Kim (Lauren Daigle's FOH Engineer) Joins12:30 Are We Investing in the Next Generation of Church Techs?32:30 Mentorship: Allowing Volunteers to Make Mistakes37:30 Core Topics for Mentoring Young Audio Engineers46:00 What It's Like Mixing FOH for Lauren Daigle48:00 Gear Talk: Gene Kim's Favorite Audio Tools Right Now57:00 Disaster Story: “Take it all off”1:00:30 Tech Takeaway: Providing Peace of MindGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Apply to work at ChurchGear here!Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
How do you lead your church tech team after a tornado has lifted off your church's roof? In this episode, we are joined by Mac Brown of Second Baptist Church in Houston, TX. We start by tackling the tension between the pulpit and the tech booth before diving into one of the wildest stories we've ever heard on the podcast: leading a church tech team after a literal tornado ripped the roof off their building.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Pastor vs. Production: Who Wins Setup Disputes?6:30 Mac Brown (Second Baptist Houston) Joins8:30 When a Tornado Rips the Roof Off Your Church10:30 Mac's Start in Church Production17:45 Leading a Tech Team Through a Tornado Disaster23:00 Acoustic Treatment vs. Room Aesthetics25:00 Lessons from Portable Church to Permanent Building28:30 Did Pastor Ed Young Take a Helicopter Between Services?31:00 Second Houston's Most Difficult Production Projects34:15 Communicating Unrealistic Executive Requests to Your Team40:45 Church Tech Disaster Story43:45 Tech TakeawayGet expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Apply to work at ChurchGear here!Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Is buying the best, most expensive gear always the right answer to your church's production problems? (Spoiler alert: Usually not.)In this special episode recorded live at MxU, we are joined by Spencer De Young and Dillan Howell. We dive straight into the controversial stuff, discussing exactly why your church probably shouldn't buy a DiGiCo 338 console and the hard truth about whether you actually need a giant LED wall.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 The "Great Gear Fixes Everything" Myth4:30 Spencer De Young & Dillan Howell (Live at MxU) Join6:30 Why Your Church Shouldn't Buy a DiGiCo 33817:00 Are AVL Integrators Overselling to Churches?20:45 How to Choose the Right AVL Gear for Your Room36:00 The Hard Truth About Giant LED Walls41:15 What New Tech Volunteers Actually Need48:45 Storytime: Getting "Blaked" at MxU52:30 Tech Takeaway: Spend Church Budget Like It's YoursGet chapter one of Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Apply to work at ChurchGear here!Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Serving in the production booth can be incredibly isolating. Without a strong culture, church tech volunteers and staff often burn out in silence. So, how do you fix it?In this episode, we sit down with Christian Acevedo of Celebration Church to talk about the life-saving power of community in church production.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: Snowstorms & "The Mix" Events5:30 Christian Acevedo (Celebration Church) Joins9:40 Christian's Journey to Celebration Church14:30 Building a Thriving Church Production Community25:40 Raising Up the Next Generation of Church Techs30:00 The Dangers of Isolation in Tech Ministry 34:00 Gear Talk: What is Celebration Church Using?38:00 Church Tech Disaster Story42:00 Tech Takeaway: Checking Your Blind SpotsGet chapter one of Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Apply to work at ChurchGear here!Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
What happens when a worship pastor—someone called to lead—falls into unthinkable sin? Last week, a worship pastor and former American Idol contestant was arrested and charged for the murder of his wife, shaking the church world. In this video, we unpack the sobering reality that no one is immune to compromise. Discover three essential truths every worship leader must know to guard against the schemes of the enemy and avoid becoming another church leader headline. Learn how small compromises can destroy your ministry, your family, and your legacy—and how to stay spiritually strong in the face of temptation. If you're a worship leader who wants to finish well, this is a must-watch. Share this with someone who needs a wake-up call! =============================
How do you allocate a new church build budget between Audio, Video, and Lighting? And at what church size does production start to get exponentially more expensive?In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Ruse (former Technical Director at Saddleback Church and FOH engineer for Matt Redman) to break down the reality of modern church production. Before diving into the interview, the guys react to the massive production behind the Super Bowl Halftime Show.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Production Breakdown: Super Bowl Halftime Show4:25 Aaron Ruse (Saddleback Church / Sweetwater) Joins8:30 Aaron's Start in Church Production13:00 What It Takes to Mix FOH for Matt Redman14:30 Church Tech: What Has Changed in 20 Years (And What Hasn't)18:00 Essential Skills for Managing an LED Wall19:40 Production Trends to Embrace (and Which to Avoid)26:00 Acoustic Treatment Strategies for Worship Spaces34:00 The "Breaking Point" Where Production Costs Skyrocket38:45 Allocating Your AVL Budget: Audio vs. Video vs. Lighting43:00 Church Tech Disaster Story46:00 Tech Takeaway: Fostering Authentic WorshipGet chapter one of Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
When hiring a new church tech director, should you look for the person with the most technical knowledge or the best leadership potential? And if you are currently in the role, which skill set should you be developing first?In this episode, we are joined by Max Brown (formerly of Willow Creek Church) to tackle the age-old debate of Competence vs. Character. Max shares his experience running production at one of the most influential churches in the country, revealing the reality of their team size and workflows.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Blake's Beach Blunder4:45 Max Brown (Former Willow Creek) Joins9:00 Principles of Leading Church Production13:00 Debate: Developing Leadership vs. Technical Skills22:00 Hiring Strategy: Character vs. Competence?28:30 Inside Production at Willow Creek Church32:20 Can You Run a Sunday Service with Just Tracks?34:45 Willow Creek's Production Team Size46:20 Is Church Production an Art or a Science?51:30 Tech TakeawayGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Ever feel frustrated with your worship team—even when nothing's technically wrong? In this solo episode, 22 year Worship Pastor and new host Keith Elgin shares a hard lesson that changed everything: Unspoken expectations lead to premeditated resentment. Keith tells the story of a 7:00 AM call time that completely backfired—and the humbling conversation that reshaped how he leads. You'll learn why, "They should have known," doesn't cut it, how clarity actually protects relationships, and why your personal health leaks into team culture (for better or worse). You'll also get practical tools—like solitude and journaling—to help you lead from a grounded place instead of leading from stress. In this episode, you'll learn: How to spot hidden expectations before they turn into resentment A simple clarity practice you can use this week with your team Why humility + healthy identity make teams stronger over time Plus: a special announcement at the end. If you've ever found yourself frustrated, this episode will show you why—and what to do next. Listen now—and take one practical step this week. About Your Host Keith Elgin is the new host of the Worship Online Podcast. He's been leading worship for over 22 years and currently serves as Worship Pastor at Alive Church, a multi-site, multi-state church based in Virginia. Keith is also a songwriter, worship coach, husband and father of four boys. He didn't set out to be a worship leader, originally wanting to coach sports—but God had other plans. Keith is passionate about helping worship leaders grow both musically and spiritually, and he's learned most of his best lessons the hard way. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With detailed song tutorials and resources, you and your team will save hours every single week, and remove the stress from preparing for a set. Try a free trial at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation! Mentioned in the Episode Reflections on Solitude by Henri Nouwen If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.
If you had a limited budget, would you spend it on a better PA system or a better mixing console? And with all the hype around spatial audio, should your church actually be looking at Immersive Audio installs?In this episode, we are joined by Johnny Ragin, the face behind Worship Sound Guy, and we dive deep into the gear debates every church tech has.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Handling Unsolicited Feedback5:00 Johnny Ragin (Worship Sound Guy) Joins7:00 Segment: Five Truths & A Lie16:45 Johnny's Start in Church Production21:15 Overcoming the Tech "Knowledge Gap"25:15 Training New Audio Volunteers27:45 Debate: Better PA vs. Better Console?28:45 Overused Production Effects & Tools33:00 Real Talk: Church Drum Budgets34:45 Is Immersive Audio Worth It for Churches?37:45 The Pros & Cons of Remote Mixing47:45 Rapid Fire: Favorite Audio Consoles49:00 Favorite PA System of All Time49:25 Favorite Audio Plugin51:00 Tech Takeaway: Keep It SimpleGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Taking risks in church production is terrifying. If you try something new and it fails, everyone notices. But if you never take risks, your production gets stale. So, how do you find the balance?In this episode, we sit down with John Williams, Production Director at Church of the King, to discuss how to push your church forward with strategic risks. We cover how to approach the first few months of a new church tech role, the safest ways to test new gear or workflows on a Sunday, and how to have difficult conversations with your pastor when a volunteer makes a mistake.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: The Biggest Risks We've Ever Taken5:00 John Williams (Church of the King) Joins6:15 John's Origin Story in Production15:00 Starting a New Role: The First 90 Days Strategy18:30 Taking Strategic Risks on Sunday Mornings22:00 Safe Ways to Test New Gear & Workflows35:30 Handling Volunteer Mistakes with Your Pastor38:45 Disaster Story: A Squirrel Destroyed Our Service43:45 Tech Takeaway: Keep the Main Thing the Main ThingGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
In Season 3: Episode 19 of The Jessica Koulianos Podcast, Jessica talks about pure worship with some of the Jesus Image worship team. Jessica hopes that through the candid conversations she hosts about life, ministry, and family, that you will be pointed back to Jesus. There is no greater joy than loving Jesus with all of your heart — may you fall more in love with Him than ever before!More resources at jessicakoulianos.comJessica Koulianos is the Co-Founder of a church, international ministry, and school with her husband, Michael Koulianos. You're invited to join them in person or online every Sunday at Jesus Image Church. For more information on Jesus School, local and nationwide events hosted by Jesus Image, and resources, visit jesusimage.tv.Watch podcast episodes on YouTube! Connect with Jessica: Jessica's Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Michael's Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Jesus Image Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Jesus Image Church Website | Instagram | Facebook Jesus School Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok...
Most churches don't measure their worship or tech teams — they just feel when something is off.That's the problem.In this episode, we break down why worship and production ministries struggle with inconsistency and how to fix it using three measurable pillars: Quality, Consistency, and Care.Check out our FREE Team Night Guide: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=qsFREE RESOURCES
In this episode, we explore the rare but inspiring career path from Production Director to Executive Pastor.We are joined by Dave Clark of Fellowship Church (Grapevine) to discuss how he transitioned from technical leadership to executive leadership. We break down the difference between treating ministry as a "job" versus a "calling," and Dave shares practical advice on how tech directors can build trust with senior pastors and get "unstuck" when they feel stagnant.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Toby's Church Planting Story6:30 Dave Clark (Fellowship Church Grapevine) Joins14:30 Defining Ministry: A Job vs. A Calling17:00 Career Path: From Tech Director to Executive Pastor21:45 How to Minister to Production Volunteers27:00 Getting "Unstuck" in Your Ministry Career29:00 Building Trust with Senior Leadership38:00 Pastor Ed Young's Wildest Production Requests48:00 Staying Calm During a Tech Disaster53:00 Avoiding "Imaginary Arguments"54:15 Tech Takeaway: Ask Questions to Understand55:45 C3 Conference PreviewYou can sign up for the C3 Conference with this link to get a special rate discount from $229 to $99. https://brushfire.com/fellowship/c3conference2026/598770/register?typeCode=C3COMEBACKGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Take a trip down memory lane with us this Monday! Want to see God move more deeply through your church's worship team? In this episode, Josh Brown, Worship Pastor at Radiant Life Church in Sturgis, Michigan, emphasizes the impact he has seen by intentionally discipling his worship team. Josh emphasizes the vital importance of this discipleship process and shares what has worked for him, from initial onboarding to teaching the true meaning of worship and establishing what a culture of worship on and off the stage looks like. Notes From the Show & Resource Links: https://bit.ly/EP082-SpiritAnointedLeadership
How do you lead when you don't make the final calls?Matt shares his personal story of reaching his breaking point and how to know when God is releasing you from your current church tech job.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 The Cost of Bad Acoustics in Big Halls6:15 Matt Kotthoff (Wooddale Church) Joins8:30 Debate: Is an AVL College Degree Worth It?10:45 Inside Production at Wooddale Church15:30 Essential Tech for Traditional Services17:25 Upgrading Gear for Choir & Orchestra20:45 Can One Room Do Both Traditional & Modern?24:25 Using "Choir Flex" for Better Audio27:30 Prioritizing Spoken Word Intelligibility36:30 Navigating Leadership When You Aren't in Charge43:00 The Breaking Point: When to Leave Your Church Job50:30 Discernment: Has God Released You?57:15 Matt's Moment of Clarity (Why He Left)Come Hangout With Your Tech Community at The Mix! Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Potesta, System Engineer for artists like Lauren Daigle and Tate McRae. We dive deep into the high-stakes world of touring production, covering everything from how to land your first big road gig to the critical lessons every local church can learn about PA system tuning and system design.Whether you're looking to upgrade your sanctuary's sound or considering a jump into the professional touring industry, Matt shares the "real-world" costs of professional audio services and how to protect your health while working in a high-demand industry.In this episode you'll hear: 01:00 Banter: Surprise Parties and Tech Interventions05:50 Guest Interview: Matt Potesta (Lauren Daigle & Tate McRae Tour)08:00 Career Roadmap: Landing a World-Class Touring Production Job13:00 Church Production vs. Touring: Pros, Cons, and Key Differences19:00 How to "Pay Your Dues" and Break into the Pro Audio Industry23:30 Touring System Design: Applying Road Lessons to Local Venues26:50 Budgeting for Sound: How Much Does Professional PA Tuning Cost?30:50 Should Churches Hire Independent Vetting for System Integrators?38:30 Career Advice: When to Transition from Church Tech to the Road43:20 Mental Health in Production: Prioritizing Health and Avoiding Burnout45:30 Pro Touring Disaster Story: Lessons from the Road48:00 Tech Takeaway: How to "Condition" Your Audience for Better ServicesCome Hangout With Your Tech Community at The Mix! Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Dillan Howell has run many large scale events. From corporate ballroom events to managing the artists for the Charlie Kirk Memorial, Dillan's see it all. What lessons has he learned from his time in large scale events that he would bring back to church production if he returned to a church tech role? In this episode you'll hear: 01:00 Field Trip: Behind the Scenes of a Weird Open House05:30 Guest Interview: Dillan Howell (Evnt Ready)11:30 Realities of Church Live Event Budgets14:30 Can You Run a Major Church Event on $50,000?17:00 How to Pitch Live Event Tech Budgets to Leadership22:30 Production Disaster Story: The Music Festival Fail25:30 Event Industry Lessons for Church Production Teams29:30 Common Mistakes Churches Make with Live Production33:45 Where Churches Waste Money on Production Gear42:45 Artist Management & Logistics for Large-Scale Events: Charlie Kirk Memorial50:45 Church Tech Takeaway54:35 Church Tech Confessional: Bad Live StreamsCome Hangout With Your Tech Community at The Mix! Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Church techs confessed some absolutely wild things to us in 2025. -Volunteering so you can marry the tech director-The worst TV stage rollout possible -Deciding to "kill" the file for the spicy "Marriage Conference Talks" In this episodes you'll hear: 1:00 Toby's little story: Nate Bargatze stand up 5:15 Why you should have a billionaires kid on your volunteer team9:15 “Lemons into Lemonade” Award 14:50 “Funniest Moment of the Year” Award 20:15 “Awkward Moment of the Year” award24:30 “Hero of the Year” award30:00 “Worst Sin of the Year” award 33:20 “The Toby Award” award 36:45 Church Tech Takeaway: Guard your audio console from water38:45 2025's Church Tech Confessionals! Check out their projects and job opportunities here! Come Hangout With Your Tech Community at The Mix! Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!